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Ex no longer paying mortgage

  • 27-05-2012 8:25am
    #1
    Registered Users Posts: 80 ✭✭


    Hi Guys
    Not sure if anyone can help. My husband moved out in January, leaving me & our baby son in the house. He was paying his half of the mortgage and a little maintenance (e30pw)

    He announced yesterday that he will no longer pay half the mortgage as it's not fair he's paying for me to live in a 3 bed house while he rents a room in a house. I cannot afford the mortgage on my own and it's his way of forcing me out so we can rent out the house. Renting the house would cover about 80% of the mortgage and we'd divide the rest.

    Can he do this? Can I freeze the mortgage for a couple of months while I sort myself out and find somewhere to live? We're on the waiting list for mediation and I was really hoping going to mediation would help us sort this kind of thing out but he's not willing to wait.

    Thanks!


Comments

  • Closed Accounts Posts: 22,058 ✭✭✭✭Abi


    I strongly advise you get legal advise on this OP. I'm sorry you're going through all this, especially with a baby to care for. A split can be tough enough without worrying yourself silly over where you and your baby will live.

    Maybe someone will come along here with experience of this, but I'd definitely get in touch with a solicitor if I were you.

    Best of luck to you.


  • Registered Users Posts: 10,262 ✭✭✭✭Joey the lips


    As abi said get advice. Get a lot of advice and get it now.

    However from my experience i would not rent out your house. It will be judged as an income when applying for social welfare. Assuming this will be your direction. If you can manage to work while renting out rooms then this might help you pay the mortage.

    Otherwise If you cannot reach an agreement to live together then you will have to get rid of the house. Especially if you cannot pay for it.

    Best wishes. Remember you and your son have a love an a bond. Look after yourselves and try your best not to get stressed.


  • Registered Users Posts: 80 ✭✭braceface


    Thanks guys. I don't qualify for any social welfare as I am working full time and earn above the limits (barely!). I've contacted Legal Aid, will go back to FLAC in the meantime and will give the bank a call this afternoon...........


  • Registered Users Posts: 124 ✭✭Smashhits


    I would agree with previous posters, get legal advice.

    Have you applied for FIS? Family Income Supplement is paid to people working 19 hours or more per week. Have a look at the welfare website. It could be helpful for you.

    Good luck


  • Registered Users Posts: 80 ✭✭braceface


    I have applied for FIS, awaiting the outcome at the moment. Don't think I qualify :( but anything's worth a try!


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  • Registered Users Posts: 7,815 ✭✭✭stimpson


    +1 on legal advice.

    I've been here before. I got my solicitor to write to my ex explaining that I could not afford the payments on my own and that I would be only paying my half of the mortgage. If her actions caused any problems such as credit ratings, interest payments or repossession then I would hold her responsible in court. She came to her senses very quickly. We didn't have children, which can only strengthen your hand when it comes to the family home.

    But talk to a solicitor and get a maintenance order as a matter of urgency. If you need the name of a good family law solicitor PM me.

    EDIT: I would also be wary of talking to the bank until you have legal advice. I'd leave that in the hands of your solicitor.


  • Registered Users Posts: 643 ✭✭✭maryk123


    go to the bank and go interest only - if you eventually need to go to social welfare route along the line - a house rented will be classed as income and you are the one that is going to get all the hassle while his name is still on the house. so sort this out for yourself with something that suits you - get a meeting with the bank and lay it on the table he is not paying and you cant afford to pay it yourself - request interest only or a moratoriam (a break).


  • Registered Users Posts: 80 ✭✭braceface


    I spoke to the bank yesterday and they recommended a moratorium, so I have that form to fill out. They think I can do it with just my ex signature for now. I just need a couple of months to get my head together, get legal advice and decide what to do!


  • Registered Users Posts: 7,815 ✭✭✭stimpson


    braceface wrote: »
    I spoke to the bank yesterday and they recommended a moratorium, so I have that form to fill out. They think I can do it with just my ex signature for now. I just need a couple of months to get my head together, get legal advice and decide what to do!

    My understanding is that a moratorium starts the clock ticking on the 12 months they have to wait until they can repossess your house. I would be wary of one sided advice coming from a bank. You need to seek independent advice.


  • Registered Users Posts: 80 ✭✭braceface


    The countdown to repossession, really?? I'm not in arrears, never have been and it's what I'm trying to avoid. I've an appointment with FLAC next week, so holding tight for now


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 17,485 ✭✭✭✭Ickle Magoo


    braceface wrote: »
    The countdown to repossession, really?? I'm not in arrears, never have been and it's what I'm trying to avoid. I've an appointment with FLAC next week, so holding tight for now

    I think you've done everything you can by keeping your mortgage provider abreast of the situation and looking to get independent legal advice.

    NB, you have a mutual agreement in place with your bank, that clearly does not constitute allowing your mortgage to fall into arrears and thus moves to repossess are not going to be made.

    All the best. :cool:


  • Registered Users Posts: 521 ✭✭✭VikingG


    Have you considered renting a room in your house... it can be done tax free. Obviously I would not recommend you bringing in a stranger giving the upheaval that you are already going through ... but if you did have a friend that was renting nearby .. it might suit...


  • Registered Users Posts: 80 ✭✭braceface


    Hi VikingG
    I did consider it, and offered it to a few friends but didn't suit anyone. Really don't want to have a stranger in the house with a 9 month old - my ex doesn't see why this is a problem....


  • Registered Users Posts: 2,290 ✭✭✭hairyprincess


    I've been separated five years almost and my ex has not been paying the full mortgage and the house has not be repossessed! I don't contribute to the mortgage because, like your husbands position, I don't live there so I'm not going to pay so he can. Also I am renting so I couldn't afford it anyway.

    Bottom line with the bank, as long as you keep them in the loop and pay as much as you can, they will not repossess a family home. Also I would look again at the €30 pw maintenance. That is pittance. Is your ex in employment?


  • Registered Users Posts: 80 ✭✭braceface


    Thanks hairy, interesting hearing it from the other side. I have completed a MARPs form for the bank and I am taking my ex to court to settle the maintenance issue. Really didn't want it to come to that but he REDUCED the amount he was giving me last month because he's moved to a bigger place by himself and needed more money for his rent


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